Inspiring strategies for employee benefit at Mumbai International Airport

An employee passes away after a mishap survived by an only child and ageing parents. It is up to the old parents to take care of the child, as the mother is already separated from the family as a result of misunderstanding and compatibility issues. Taking this into account, the management of Mumbai International Airport (MIAL) collects a fund of around Rs 11 lakh from the employees, creates an account for the child, puts the money in a fixed deposit to be used for the child’s higher studies, after 12 years.

This is just one instance when MIAL rose to the occasion, ensuring stability in the lives of a deceased employee’s otherwise helpless parents and child.

Clearly, MIAL is not only committed to its employees, but also to their families.

Lallit Kar, VP and head-HR, MIAL, shares some of the initiative the organisation undertakes to ensure that the employees remain highly motivated and engaged.

“Some of the initiatives have been introduced last year only. They have really helped us improve our industrial relations (IR)”

Recognition of high performers

MIAL has a policy to felicitate the young achievers of tomorrow. The young kids of the company’s employees who perform well in academics and sports are rewarded with a sum of Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000, based on criteria and parameters.

Students studying in class ten should score more than 90 per cent in the board exams and those studying in 12th standard should score at least 85 per cent or more. Of those thus shortlisted, the top three students will be awarded in monetary terms on the basis of their ranking.

Students who excel in sports are also given cash awards. For representing at the state level, a reward of Rs 10,000 is given and for representing at the national level a reward of Rs 15,000 is given to the kids against submission of copies of their certificates and pictures of their medals.

Compensation for death

When the earning member of a family dies, it is natural for the family to feel the financial burden. MIAL shares some of that burden by offering a coverage of Rs 50 lakh to Rs 4 crore, depending on the role and the level at which the deceased employee was working.

MIAL also has an employee renewal fund, wherein the existing employees can contribute and accumulate money which can then be given to the family of the deceased employee.

Free online books for employees and their families

To inculcate the habit of reading, MIAL tries to make books, on various topics and genres, available for the employees and their families. It has tied up with Librarywala.com to allow free access to its staff to read books anytime, anywhere.

Training for firefighters

Sometimes, when there is a crisis at the airport, the firefighters are required to be in touch with the pilots and the cabin crew. For this, it is necessary for them to converse in English. The organisation trains its firefighters to speak English and handle such crisis situations better. While such training helps the organisation meet its requirements, it also gives the employees a chance to develops their skills.

“We have receive some very good responses from our employees and their family members as well. All of them respect the initiatives undertaken by the organisation”

Education support for its employees Employees who wish to pursue higher education are supported by MIAL. The Company bears up to Rs 1.5 lakh or 50 per cent of the cost of the course (whichever is higher) to encourage its employees.

Such initiatives go a long way in helping the organisation create and develop strong and lasting relations with its workforce. “Some of the initiatives have been introduced last year only. They have really helped us improve our industrial relations (IR),” says Kar.

“We have receive some very good responses from our employees and their family members as well. All of them respect the initiatives undertaken by the organisation,” adds Kar.